After picking up just 24 yards in the season opener against Louisiana State, the North Carolina running game has help on the way.
The University released a statement Monday announcing that senior tailback Shaun Draughn has been cleared to play Saturday against Georgia Tech at home.
Draughn is the first to be cleared to play since 12 players were held out of UNC’s game against LSU Sept. 4 due to University and NCAA investigations. Defensive tackle Marvin Austin was suspended indefinitely Sept. 1 for violating team rules.
Coach Butch Davis said that the University is still working to determine the eligibility of the remaining players held out of the LSU game.
“As quick and as soon as we find out anything about any of the other players, we’re going to get you that information as quick and as soon as possible,” Davis said.
Draughn’s return will have a domino effect on UNC’s offensive depth chart. Though Davis did not say whether Draughn would start Saturday, he could get the lion’s share of the team’s carries.
If he does, it will take the ball out of the hands of Johnny White, who fumbled against LSU. White could also be moved back to returning kicks on the special teams unit, where sophomore Hunter Furr struggled in week one.
Perhaps no one will be happier to see the team’s second-leading rusher last season back in action than quarterback T.J. Yates. Yates set a career best of 412 passing yards against LSU, but was forced to carry the offense in the absence of a consistent run game.
“He’s one of the leaders on this offense, on this team, so having him back is going to give everyone a little more excitement, a little morale boost,” Yates said. “I’m excited to see him run, because he’s been practicing hard and I know he’s been itching to get out there.”
